Moldova is facing an energy crisis due to several factors, including reliance on natural gas imports from Russia, outdated energy infrastructure, and environmental issues such as coal-fired power plants.[1] The country heavily relies on Russia for its energy supply, particularly natural gas, which has had a significant impact on its economy.[2]
Maia Sandu, the leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), was elected president in December 2020[3]. Following her election, a pro-European government led by Natalia Gavrilița was appointed, representing a significant shift in Moldova’s political orientation from a pro-Russian stance to a pro-European one.[4] In autumn 2021, Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned gas company, suspended gas supplies to Moldova, demanding a new contract.[5] Russia attempted to use Moldova’s gas dependency as a tool to influence political positions in the country in their favour, but the Moldovan government refused to comply[6]. Instead, the government sought alternatives from other international actors to reduce dependency on Russian gas.[7]
For the Entire Paper
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[1] EEAS “EP Plenary: Challenges Facing the Republic of Moldova.” 14 Mar. 2023, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ep-plenary-challenges-facing-republic-moldova_en?s=223.
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Pro-EU Sandu Takes Moldova Presidency in Landslide.” Politico, 16 Nov. 2020, https://www.politico.eu/article/pro-eu-sandu-takes-moldova-presidency-in-landslide/.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Guvernul Republicii Moldova “Discursul Premierului Natalia Gavrilița În Plenul Parlamentului, În Legătură Cu Instituirea Stării de Urgență.”, 22 Oct. 2021, gov.md/ro/content/discursul-premierului-natalia-gavrilita-plenul-parlamentului-legatura-cu-instituirea-0.
[6] Council of the EU “Joint Press Statement Following the Seventh Association Council Meeting between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova.”, 7 Feb. 2023, www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/07/joint-press-statement-following-the-seventh-association-council-meeting-between-the-european-union-and-the-republic-of-moldova/.
[7] Op. cit.
